Latest Customization, Integration & Extension topics

In this episode of Ask Sympraxis, we take a deep dive into Microsoft’s retirement of Classic Publishing Site creation and why it matters. We explain what publishing sites are, which related features are being retired, how to find them in your environment, and what you should be using instead. If your organization still relies on these classic templates, this change will affect you.

In this Ask Sympraxis session, we explore the upcoming retirement of SharePoint 2013 workflows and the deprecation of several other legacy technologies. This discussion dives into what’s being phased out, the retirement timeline, how to assess your environment, tools to help with the transition, and modern alternatives. If your organization still relies on these aging components, now is the time to prepare.

Exploring the Maturity Model for Copilot Agents In this episode of Ask Sympraxis, we explore the evolving landscape of Microsoft Copilot Agents - specifically, how organizations can think about Copilot agents through a maturity model lens. Microsoft’s messaging is shifting, focusing more on agents that accomplish specific tasks rather than Copilot as one monolithic thing. This prompted us to consider how teams might approach agent adoption and development in stages.

Effective Document Management Strategies for Microsoft 365 - Intranet Edition Managing documents within a Microsoft 365 intranet requires a thoughtful approach to ensure content remains organized, accessible, and properly controlled. Below, we outline key strategies for effective document management within a Microsoft 365 intranet. Document Management Problem Statement An intranet serves is a hub for company-wide content consumption. The primary challenge is balancing accessibility with control - ensuring work-in-progress documents remain private while allowing necessary reviewers to provide input without modifying the content. Additionally, both draft and published versions of a document hold value for different audiences, making it essential to manage versioning carefully. Without clear strategies, content can be published prematurely, permissions can become tangled, and valuable information can become difficult to navigate.

Struggling to find your files in Microsoft Teams? You’re not alone! In this Ask Sympraxis webinar, we dive into effective document management strategies to help you stay organized and in control. From understanding where your files live to optimizing Teams scenarios, folders, and libraries, we cover key tips to take your document management to Maturity Level 500.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-powered tools, SharePoint Copilot agents stand out as a game-changer for enhancing workplace productivity. These specialized AI assistants integrate your organization’s knowledge and data sources with Microsoft Copilot, enabling users to perform a range of tasks more efficiently. From automating repetitive processes to offering actionable insights, Copilot agents can transform how teams interact with data and make decisions.

Backup and archive: understanding the differences Backup and archive serve distinct purposes, although many confuse them for the same thing. Backup refers to warm storage, focusing on active content and ensuring easy access to recover data if a problem arises. On the other hand, archiving is akin to cold storage, dealing with inactive content that isn’t regularly used. Syncing data does not serve as a backup or archive; it merely keeps two copies of the same data synchronized, without providing the backup or archived version.

In this Ask Sympraxis session, we expand on the foundational concepts discussed in the previous episode, focusing on the role of SharePoint Managed Metadata for Search. If you haven’t caught up on that episode yet, we recommend starting there to better understand the central role of the term store and managed metadata in building a robust information architecture. Term store vs. managed metadata The term store and managed metadata are often mentioned together, but it’s important to differentiate between the two. The term store is essentially the repository where terms are created, managed, and stored, while managed metadata refers to the method by which these terms are integrated into SharePoint. Though they work hand in hand, they serve different purposes within SharePoint’s ecosystem.

As we mark the milestone of our 100th episode of Ask Sympraxis, it’s incredible to reflect on the journey we’ve embarked on since our first episode on April 20, 2020. Back then, the world was quite different, and in many ways, so was the landscape of technology. Over the years, Ask Sympraxis has grown, evolved, and adapted, much like the tech ecosystem we seek to demystify.

When managing data in SharePoint and Microsoft Lists, understanding the various form customization options available and how they interact with these platforms is essential. Forms serve as the primary interface for collecting data, and while they might appear simple, the underlying complexity varies depending on the type of form and its intended use. This session explores the different form customization options available for SharePoint lists, libraries, and Microsoft Lists, including their capabilities and how they can be leveraged effectively.